Portland, ME

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

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The BP Oil Spill Highlights Failures

Former Merchant Marine Officer Reveals Industry Problems



Portland, Maine—The BP oil leak in the Gulf continues as officials from both BP and the government scramble to find solutions. While stopping this environmental disaster is critical, also important is taking measures to prevent such a disaster from happening again. The finger-pointing over who bears responsibility only leaves us with many questions about how this could have happened.

Veteran Merchant Marine Officer Darryl Hagar was charged with safely navigating 900-foot supertankers through dangerous international waters. After graduating from the Maine Maritime Academy, Hagar spent 20 years hauling oil for BP during which time he engaged in alcoholism and drug abuse while in their employment. Despite some supervisors knowing he had severe substance abuse problems, Hagar was allowed to continue. If this was overlooked, what other safety precautions didn't receive due consideration?

With his industry experience Hagar gained an insider's view and claims that reckless behavior was sometimes ignored and inspections were improperly handled. Now clean and sober, he asserts that the industry needs reforms to protect workers and the environment.

Invite Darryl Hagar to answer:



• How did the oil companies get looser inspections?

• What kinds of deals were made behind closed doors?

• Why wasn't Hagar's alcoholism reported and why wasn't he suspended?

• What steps did the oil companies take to protect their safety records?

• How can the industry be made safer and more accountable?

CREDENTIALS: Darryl Hagar is the author of The Man Overboard: How a Merchant Marine Officer Survived the Raging Storm of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction. Hagar has been featured on NBC TV 6 in Maine, KQDS 950 FM in Minnesota, KOMX CBS radio in Missouri, Chris Bond Radio in New Zealand, WOR 710 in New York City, WEOL 930 AM in Ohio, and WSVA 550 AM in Virginia.

AVAILABILITY: Maine, nationwide by arrangement, and via telephone

CONTACT: Darryl Hagar, (207) 773-6885 (ME); info@themanoverboard.com; www.themanoverboard.com

Darryl Hagar

Portland, ME

207-773-6885

First Url: The Man Overboard